The medical profession has long recognized that implementing a wellness program of preventive health care helps humans lead healthier, longer lives. Now the veterinary community has recognized the same benefits for our dogs. There's no question that our dogs provide us with unconditional love. They serve many roles: companions, service and therapy pets, members of the family. They help lower our blood pressure and keep us on an even keel. There's no doubt that keeping them healthy will help them live longer and happier lives, and the key to successful and cost-effective pet care is to protect pets against infectious diseases and other avoidable maladies before they occur.

Implementing a preventive-medicine plan, much like preventive-medicine and wellness plans for children and adults, is key to avoiding illness, accidents, and malnutrition. The Angell Memorial Animal Hospital Book of Wellness and Preventive Care for Dogs is the first book to discuss the importance of having a pet wellness plan and to offer the opportunity for owners everywhere to re-create Angell's preventive-care program in their own homes.

Established in 1915 by the venerable Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Angell Memorial Animal Hospital was one of the first institutions to implement a wellness program for dogs. Considered one of the most notable and prestigious facilities serving the animal kingdom, this Boston-based hospital is dedicated to providing the best possible medical and surgical care to animals and to advancing the practice of veterinary medicine. Its veterinarians specialize in surgery, radiology, cardiology, dentistry, internal medicine, ophthalmology, oncology, nutrition, dermatology, and more.

Drawing from the expertise of Angell Memorial's chief of staff, Dr. Paul Gambardella, and the director of the Wellness Program, Dr. Douglas Brum, this book shows you how to design, implement, and maintain a complete wellness program for your dog in collaboration with your own veterinarian. In jargon-free language, award-winning journalist Darlene Arden explains how you can put the famed hospital's unprecedented techniques to work for your dog.

This invaluable resource addresses:

• Dentistry and grooming
• Nutrition
• Emergencies and first aid
• Preventive parasite control
• Solutions to common puppy problems
• Training and behavior
• Problems of middle-aged and senior dogs
• And more

By thinking and planning ahead, you can help increase your dog's life span and overall health and happiness.

"Angell Memorial's reputation in the animal world is unchallenged, and who better to tell their story than one of the best dog writers in the business. . . . A perfect combination and a must for this important bookshelf."

--Betty White, actress, author, and animal-welfare activist

In this readable and practical book, award-winning author and pet expert Darlene Arden puts all the benefits of Angell Memorial's pioneering pet wellness program in the hands of pet owners everywhere."

--Karen Pryor, behavior biologist and author of Don't Shoot the Dog and Clicker Training for Dogs

"Darlene Arden isn't just another pet book author--she knows her stuff. The Angell Memorial Animal Hospital Book of Wellness and Preventive Care for Dogs gives you ammunition to ask the right questions no matter where your veterinarian happens to be. This book is like the hospital itself and is more than cutting-edge medicine--it has heart."

--Steve Dale, host of "Animal Planet" radio show and a senior columnist for Pet Life magazine.

Angell Memorial Animal Hospital recognized the importance of wellness early on and was one of the first institutions to initiate a wellness program for pets. The hospital's esteemed staff of veterinarians explains how you can put Angell Memorial's renowned, medically proven formula to work for your dog. You'll also learn how to customize the plan to fit your dog's individual needs. Discover how to help your dog lead a longer, healthier, and happier life. You--and your dog--will be glad you did!

Arden is an animal journalist, author, lecturer, and host of her own cable show. She supplies new and veteran dog owners with the keys to developing a preventative-medicine plan for all stages of their pets' lives, including vaccinations, dentistry, grooming, nutrition, emergencies and first aid, training and behavior. Arden was assisted by specialists associated with the Angell Memorial Animal Hospital, Boston, Mass., in creating this text. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Angell Memorial Animal Hospital boasts an innovative and authoritative staff and a reputation second to none. Now for the first time, Angell Memorial offers its unprecedented preventive care program to puppy and dog owners everywhere in this comprehensive, user-friendly book. Illustrations.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 221-222) and index.

Darlene Arden is an award-winning animal journalist and author. She is also the producer and host of her own cable show. Her work has been featured in Dog World, Cats, Family Circle, and the Boston Herald.